Elite-level athletes with physical impairments: Barriers and facilitators to sport participation

Abstract

Knowledge of the often-complex psycho-social factors that influence sport participation is important to increase the number of individuals with a physical impairment participating in sport, and simultaneously enhancing social inclusion and community engagement. The present study examined the sporting experiences of ten high-performing Australian athletes with a physical impairment from grassroots to elite-level. The interviews were transcribed, and thematic analysis was performed for data synthesis. Drawing on the theory of self-determination and the social model of disability, the results highlighted increases in wellbeing including improved fitness, social interaction and self-confidence. The athletes identified primary school and high school as highly influential environments in establishing their interest in sport, with these settings also considered as fruitful platforms to support an inclusive culture and education on disability and sport amongst the wider community.

Points of Interest

• Community perceptions of disability have long been connected to reduced ability and this can be a barrier to sport participation for those with a physical impairment.

• Participation rates in sport for individuals with a physical impairment are persistently lower than those who are able-bodied.

• Sport participation has a positive effect on adapting and adjusting to a physical impairment as well as facilitating social inclusion.

• Sport participation for those with a physical impairment can promote confidence, independence and a feeling of acceptance.

• The school curriculum can enable pathways for sport participation among individuals with a physical impairment and create early positive experiences.

• Developing school curricula to include disability-sport can facilitate awareness for all students. Long term this can assist to reduce negative stereotypes and promote social inclusion.

Keywords:

• Sport participation
• social inclusion
• physical impairment
• lived experience
• para sport
• qualitative research

Disclosure statement

None.